The nation’s capitol is celebrating the arrival of spring this weekend, with many events hoping to raise money to help Japan in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami which left thousands dead and homeless. The festival began almost a century ago when in 1912 the then-Mayor of Tokyo gifted Japanese cherry trees to the city.

It is estimated that over half a million people will visit Washington this year to enjoy the blossoming trees. The Cherry Blossom Festival will be host to two weeks of events, most of which are Japanese in theme including sushi and traditional sake tasting, martial arts demonstrations and cultural shows. Similar events are being held across the US and Canada wherever the Japanese trees come into blossom, which typically occurs in early April.

Organizers are hoping visitors will join in with a walk this evening to raise money for aid in Japan. The walk is scheduled to go around Tidal Basin, the site of the original cherry blossoms imported from Japan. While most of the festival’s events are free, any donations received will go to the National Cherry Blossom Festival Red Cross fund.

Further information about the event, scheduled to end on 10 April, can be found on the official website of the festival. Donations can also be made through the website.

Reported by Claire Blackthorne.

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